Nornickel, Russia’s largest mining company, and the world’s leading nickel producer announced its consolidated production results for nickel in 2024. The company exceeded its production guidance for this metal which was driven by operational efficiency improvements and capital upgrades.

Nornickel’s Nickel Production Exceeds All Expectations

In 2024, Nornickel produced 205 kt of nickel, slightly above its target range of 196–204 kt. This marked a 2% decline year-over-year due to scheduled repairs but still showcased robust performance. Notably, all nickel output originated from the company’s Russian feedstock.

Senior Vice-President – Operating Director, Alexander Popov commented on the production results,

“In 2024, the output of all key metals exceeded our production guidance as a result of improved operating efficiency

Significantly, completing a major reconstruction project at the Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant’s smelting furnace #2 played a pivotal role. This upgrade boosted the furnace’s smelting capacity by 25% and was completed in just 60 days—30 days ahead of schedule.

The company also increased production of premium nickel products catering to China’s electroplating market, alongside advancements in developing specialized nickel powders Kola Division. This carbonyl nickel department was successfully launched after
annual schedule capital maintenance. 

Nickel Outlook for 2025

For 2025, Nornickel expects nickel production to range between 204–211 kt and copper output from its Russian feed to reach 353–373 kt. This reflects the company’s focus on maintaining strong production levels while continuing to modernize facilities and diversify its product portfolio.

Notably, the mining giant aims to boost nickel and copper production by 20–30% and increase platinum group metals (PGMs) output by 40–50% by 2030.

Copper Output Sees Steady Growth

Nornickel’s total copper production reached 433 kt in 2024, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase. This growth stemmed from process optimizations to improve copper cathode quality and meet customer requirements. Copper output from its Russian feedstock, excluding the Trans-Baikal Division, exceeded guidance, totaling 363 kt.

The Trans-Baikal Division also delivered a strong performance, producing 70 kt of copper in concentrate, surpassing its target range of 64–68 kt. This growth was also attributed to increased ore volumes and enhanced operational efficiency.

• RELATED: Nornickel’s Big Copper Bet: Will It Disrupt China’s Smelting Power? 

Nornickel’s Strategy for Sustainable Mining

Nornickel has adopted a long-term sustainable development strategy that emphasizes environmentally friendly production. The company is modernizing production assets with clean technologies, reducing its carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and building resilience to climate risks.

In 2022–2023, Nornickel collaborated with the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences to better understand climate risks. The partnership analyzed historical climate data from the 1960s and modeled scenarios to predict climate risk factors through 2050. These scenarios were adapted to the specific regions where Nornickel operates, enabling targeted solutions to local challenges.

Impressive Results

Nornickel has one of the lowest carbon footprints among global mining companies. Key achievements include:

• 9.7 million tons of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reflecting the company’s commitment to reducing direct and indirect emissions.
• 5.1 million tons of CO2 equivalent Scope 3 emissions as of 2023, which represent emissions across the value chain.
• A carbon footprint of 8.5 kg of CO2 per kg of nickel, is calculated in line with international standards such as ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067.

Reducing Emissions with Sulfur Program 2.0

The Sulfur Program 2.0 revolves around Nornickel’s efforts to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve air quality in the Norilsk region. The company’s emissions include contributions from electricity and heat supply to the Norilsk industrial region through JSC NTEK, as well as carbon dioxide from the Sulfur Program.

Nornickel calculates its GHG emissions by the GHG Protocol methodology. The assessment covers emissions from carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). Gas transportation units and energy supplies primarily generate these gases. 

The company has also standardized its approach to identifying GHG emission sources to reduce uncertainty in upstream Scope 3 emissions calculations.

The completion of the Sulfur Program 2.0 and the use of cleaner energy from JSC NTEK shows its dedication to reducing its environmental impact. At the same time, the company continues to invest in innovation and data-driven strategies to enhance energy efficiency and meet long-term climate goals.

In conclusion, Continued investments in modernization and sustainable mining will help Nornickel meet rising global demand for nickel and copper while supporting decarbonization goals.

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